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Monday, January 26, 2015

Where Is Your Bookmark? (01/27/2015)

Did you have a nice weekend? It was very low key in my house. We are in between soccer lessons, and despite the weather being nice, did not even venture to the park. Mouse did play outside with her chalks, making a hopscotch game on the cement and jumping from space to space. We watched Caillou's Holiday movie a couple of times at least. While I want to complain about the fact it's almost February and the Sprout channel is still playing a Christmas movie, I shouldn't throw stones. My Christmas tree is still up. It doesn't have any decorations on it. That should count for something, right? I am thinking now it might need some hearts . . .

I think I am finally settling into my regular exercise routine again. Not being able to do much for several weeks as I recovered from my surgery took a toll on both my body and my motivation. I have been at it for two weeks now though, and am starting to feel better for it.

I finished the first book in the Coleridge Taylor mystery series, Last Words, by Rich Zahradnik, and plan to have my review ready for you next week. I have just started reading Elizabeth Hall's Miramont's Ghost, a Gothic tale set in the late 1800's about a clairvoyant young woman imprisoned in a castle. She's only four at the place I left off in the book--such a happy child. I already feel sorry for what is to come.

I jumped at the opportunity to read Miramont's Ghost by Elizabeth Hall when I heard what kind of novel it was. I have enjoyed the mysteries I have read as of late, but it's nice to lose myself in something more atmospheric for the time being. Here is the opening of my current read:

Mantiou Springs, Colorado

She sat at the piano, fingers still poised over the now-silent keys. The notes of the night serenade dissipated in the cool air, ghosts of sound, lingering in the periphery of light and shadow. The sun had set. Shadows crept across the room. But Adrienne stared straight ahead, lost in a trance of remembering. The music had carried her away, to another time and another place, when she was young and in love and the future still sparkled with possibility.

I was swept up into Adrienne's story right from the first paragraph. The image so clear in my mind. There is a strong sense of foreboding, if you well. At least for the younger, more carefree girl Adrienne once had been.

This weeks' Top Ten Tuesday theme is Top Ten Books I'd Love to Read If I Had A Book Club. I went back and forth about how to approach this topic. Should I share books I wish I had read with a book club, books I did read with a book club (or in a read-a-long) or books I haven't yet read, but think would make great book club picks? I finally settled on doing some of each:

Books I read along with others in a book group or as a read-a-long:

1. Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber ~ I read this one with an online group and enjoyed the discussion. It brought out nuances in the book I might have missed otherwise.

3. This past fall, I read Fingersmith by Sarah Waters with Jennifer of Literate Housewife. It's the sort of book I really wanted--needed--to talk about as I read. I am glad I had that opportunity.

4.Under the Skin by Michel Faber ~ This was the first book I read for a face to face book club and it made for an interesting discussion. I do not think anyone in the group liked the book much, but that, in part, was what made the discussion what it was, I think.

Books I have read that I wish I could read with a book club:

5. One of my favorite books of all time, Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos would make for a great book club pick I think. The characters to the various story threads that run throughout the book . . . Plus, any excuse to read this great book again!

6.Haunting Bombay by Shilpa Agarwal ~ I read this book several years ago, but it has stayed with me. When I read it, I felt it would be a great book club pick, and I still feel that way. From the cultural aspects to the dark family secrets, to the mysticism, this is one worthy of discussion.

7. Another book that screamed BOOK CLUB PICK to me was Charlee Fam's The Last Train to Babylon. This novel deals with very serious and relevant of today issues that should be--and need to be--talked about.

Books I think I would enjoy reading with a book club:

8. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier ~ Because it's Daphne du Maurier.

9. The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian ~ This author's books seem like they would all be good book club picks. This is just one of many on my list of books I want to read by him.

10. Any of Haruki Murakami's novels really. He's an author that sort of intimates me, and so I figure a little hand holding as I read my first book by him might be the way to go.

Have you read any of these books? What books would do you wish you could read with a book club? What were your favorite book club picks if you are in a book club?

Chrissi - Thank you! I really do need to get around to reading Rebecca. It sounds like something I would really enjoy. And The Crimson Petal and the White as a great discussion book. My online book group still talks about that one!

Miramont's Ghost sounds very intriguing! I think it's the kind of book I'd like to read too. Can't wait for your review, Wendy.

I haven't been to any book clubs meetings, but that's because I don't think I can find any here. The books you mentioned sound great too. I know I want to read Fingersmith and that'd be onto my top list for this year. ;-)

Melody - I hope I like Miramont's Ghost. It sounds interesting and so far it is off to a good start.

Most of my book clubs are online experiences. I seem to do those much better as they are convenient and easy to work around with my work hours and home responsibilities. Fingersmith is really good. I highly recommend it!

Kim - I think the longest I've left my tree up was February. I don't know if we'll break that record this year. It's partly still up because of my daughter. She goes back and forth about wanting a Christmas themed birthday in March. I'm trying to talk her into her second idea instead. It'd be easier. LOL

I've been seeing MIRAMONT'S GHOST on the Kindle page at Amazon. I did not realize that it was set in Manitou Springs. Must read it. We were in Manitou Springs this summer on vacation. Had a lovely lunch on the porch of The Cliff House, a beautiful hotel there. Manitou Springs is such a pretty part of the Colorado Springs area - lots of little shops and restored old houses. Very near The Garden of the Gods, which is beautiful.

OK, my mystery group did REBECCA last fall and it was an interesting discussion. We had several that did not like it at all - found it too much like a romance novel. Me, I was thinking more like Alfred Hitchcock classic. Anyway, I was surprised that it wasn't one of those meetings where we all agreed and then talked about TV and movies. LOL

Athira - Haha! We had to take our lights down or risk a fine from our homeowner's association. My daughter's daycare provider keeps hers up all year round--it's too much of a challenge to get them down and up each year from her second story. She only turns them on during the Christmas holidays though, so it's easy to forget they are there.

I have seen mixed reviews about Miramont's Ghost, but I am hopeful I will like it. :-)

Catherine - Thanks, Catherine. We got some rain last night, which was very welcome. Anything to help with the drought. I am thinking of all of you caught in that blizzard. I don't envy you--except maybe the snow days. Given my job though, I'd likely still be working if we were in the middle of a blizzard here.

Books with ghost in the title do not usually pique my interest. But reading the opening set in Colorado, just might make me want to pick this one up. I too, once left my tree up so long that my husband suggested I replace the snowmen with hearts ( it was mostly read/white). I did not, but I did give it thought! "smile"

I've only tried a book club once when a bunch of our English teachers would meet for a drink and book discussion on Friday afternoons once a month. It didn't work out well! Most of the time, only half the group would have even read the book. Most complained about too many essays to grade, something I definitely understood and sympathized with. I've always had more success discussing books with my daughters. :)

Jenclair - I was in the one face to face club for a few months, but because of a conflict in schedule had to stop going. The majority of my book club experiences are with online groups. It seems to work better for me anyway. At least for convenience sake. :-)

I don't think the intro is for me...I'm not big on the supernatural. I loved the Pillars of the Earth - I think it would be a bit long for a book club pick, but great book! I also really liked The Sandcastle Girls and think that would be a good pick as well. I love Bohjalian.

Sarah - Pillars of the Earth was so good. I read it in about a week, and so the size wasn't an issue. I imagine for some it might be. I am glad you liked The Sandcastle Girls. I would really like to read that one.

Hi lady :) I have missed visiting your lovely blog.Glad you are feeling better after your surgery, I hope you continue to get stronger.Miramont's Ghost sounds good, I would keep reading.Nice top ten list, I've had Rebecca on my shelves for a while now but haven't gotten around to it yet.

Shaina - There is so much to talk about in Pillars of the Earth. It really would be a good one for a book club.

Thank you for the kind words. I agree, exercise really does make a difference when I do it regularly. On the days I struggle, I remind myself of just how good it makes me feel and how much my body needs--and deserves--it.

I cannot wait to hear what you think of Miramont's Ghost as that is one I want to read myself. It sounds so good! We had a quiet weekend as well although we did take the kids to Chuck-E-Cheese Friday evening which is always madness. LOL, the kids like it so that is all that matters :)

Samantha - So far so good--although I feel like I haven't had enough time to read lately. Chuck-E-Cheese is one of Mouse's favorite places to go. We usually go early Sunday when the crowds aren't so bad. :-)

Oh this is another book that I'd love to add to my TBR list just on that cover alone! haha... Sounds like you've got a good book to read there. And, I'm with you on needing a bit of hand holding with the authors that are a bit more intimidating. It's nice to share those type of novels with a book group!

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At the age of five, Literary Feline (aka Wendy) was diagnosed as a fabulavore. Due to the low story content of movies and television, she has required a steady supply of books to provide her sustenance. She currently resides in California with her loving husband, adorable daughter, and two affectionate and sassy cats. Literary Feline has broadened her nutritional sources by reviewing books. Please note: Literary Feline is not a bibliovore. She's not eating the books for goodness' sake.